Council to discuss whistleblower law

An ordinance prohibiting retaliation against a city employee in Mesquite who blows the whistle on city wrongdoing is scheduled to be discussed tonight by the City Council.

City Attorney Cheryl Hunt said during the technical review meeting last week there was no special reason for discussing the ordinance tonight, the city is merely trying to be on a par with other organizations and municipalities.

A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled during the council’s regular meeting in City Hall.

In other business, the council will look at adopting changes to the city’s Personnel Policies Manual.

At the tech meeting last week, Dave Ballweg, a resident and local business owner, pointed out the policies will have to be revisited to include a medical marijuana clause.

With medical marijuana being legal in the state of Nevada the question for the city council is whether employees who are cardholders will be punished for testing positive for marijuana. Also, what will the regulations be on coming to work after using medical marijuana?

A public hearing is also scheduled on an ordinance making it illegal to feed feral pigeons since the birds pose a health hazard. If adopted, anyone caught feeding feral pigeons can be fined.

The council is also expected to approve an inter-local agreement with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) for road improvements in the city.

Time has been allotted for public comment at the beginning and end of the meeting, which is scheduled at 5 p.m., 10 East Mesquite Blvd., in the council chambers.